Big East Basketball: 2020 conference tournament preview and predictions

Big East Tournament Predictions

Before diving into predictions, here is a quick reminder of the bracket:

Opening Round (March 11th)

St. John’s Red Storm vs. Georgetown Hoyas

St. John’s has been playing better basketball down the stretch of this season than Georgetown and it should also have a bit of homecourt advantage. I have already mentioned that the Red Storm could be a dark-horse to cut down the final nets at the event and this would be the place to start. Pick: SJU.

DePaul Blue Demons vs. Xavier Musketeers

DePaul has been shaky all season long with regard to finishing games but always seems to hang around. I think the Blue Demons will put up a good fight in this one but Xavier has a lot to play for with regard to staying off the bubble and will come away victorious. The Musketeers will likely rely on balanced scoring before turning the reins to Naji Marshall down the stretch. Pick: Xavier.

Quarterfinals (March 12th)

St. John’s Red Storm vs. Creighton Bluejays

St. John’s dominated Creighton a couple of weeks ago at Carnesecca Area and would arrive at this matchup with some confidence if it beats Georgetown. The Red Storm bring plenty of pressure and that could easily disrupt the Bluejays, especially if starting point guard Marcus Zegarowski isn’t able to play. With that said, though, the Bluejays are more talented and have their sights set on a Big East Tournament title. Pick: Creighton. 

Butler Bulldogs vs. Providence Friars

Butler has seemingly regained its rhythm on both ends of the floor down the stretch with a healthy backcourt but Providence is too hot to handle right now, in my opinion. The Dawgs could easily walk away victorious considering they nearly took down the Friars while playing without their starting point guard a few weeks ago. Either one of these teams could lose this game or win the entire Big East Tournament. It is the most compelling matchup of the first two days at MSG, in my opinion. Pick: PC. 

Xavier Musketeers vs. Villanova Wildcats

Villanova is playing better basketball right now and will have had essentially a full week of rest while Xavier would be playing its second game in as many days. Head coach Jay Wright will have his team well-prepared for either matchup that he gets. Pick: Villanova.

Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Seton Hall Pirates

Both Marquette and Seton Hall have lost at least their last two games. The pirates, though, are playing significantly better and have a more well-rounded unit. Powell vs. Howard will be extremely fun but the supporting cast of Seton Hall is way better on paper. Pick: Seton Hall.

Semifinals (March 13th)

Creighton Bluejays vs. Providence Friars

Creighton is the better team right now but might be playing without Zegarowski still. If that is the case, this could be an evenly matched contest and Providence has been traditionally very successful at the Big East Tournament. Pick: PC. 

Villanova Wildcats vs. Seton Hall Pirates

This is a really tough matchup to pick. Both teams are dynamite and have what it takes to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Villanova’s elite offense, though, should be able to score on Seton Hall’s defense and that could be enough. Jay Wright being elite on the sidelines always makes the ‘Cats dangerous. Pick: Villanova.

Championship Game (March 14th)

Providence Friars vs. Villanova Wildcats

Both teams would have to go through very tough competition to reach this point but I like Villanova’s overall offensive depth a bit more than Providence. While sustaining legs on 3-point shots over the course of three games in three days is a bit of a concern, Collin Gillespie and Saddiq Bey are legitimate go-to scorers both inside and out. I’m picking the ‘Cats to cut down the nets at MSG once again. Pick: Villanova.

That concludes this preview for one of the most highly-anticipated conference tournaments of the season. The Big East has been a blast to follow and write about all year long and here’s to hoping each team makes a deep run in the postseason.